ValueJet and Gateway Air, the Ogun State-owned airline, have commenced a daily scheduled service connecting Abuja with Gateway International Airport in Iperu, Ogun State, via Lagos, opening a new air link between the Federal Capital Territory and one of Nigeria’s growing commercial and industrial corridors.
The service departs Abuja at 6:30 a.m., with the early schedule designed to allow passengers travelling for business meetings, industrial visits, government appointments and other engagements in Ogun State to arrive early enough to make use of most of the day.
ValueJet Managing Director, Omololu Majekodunmi, said the schedule was developed around the needs of passengers with demanding itineraries, particularly those travelling for business and personal engagements in Ogun State and surrounding areas.
The new connection provides an alternative to road transportation for passengers travelling between Abuja and Ogun, while improving access to the state’s manufacturing, logistics, agricultural, real estate and other economic activities.
Ogun’s proximity to Lagos and its growing concentration of industrial estates and businesses have increased demand for transport links with other major commercial centres. Gateway International Airport provides an additional entry point into the state for travellers who would otherwise depend largely on road transportation.
Ogun State Commissioner for Transportation, Olugbenga Dairo, said the launch reflected growing demand among residents, businesses and visitors for air connections between the state and major population and commercial centres across Nigeria.
He said Governor Dapo Abiodun had directed Gateway Air to continually review its flight schedule and fleet capacity in response to passenger demand.
For Gateway Air, the service represents an expansion of its connectivity from Ogun, while the partnership gives ValueJet an opportunity to extend its domestic network through collaboration with the state-owned carrier.
ValueJet also operates regional services to destinations including Accra and Banjul and said recent additions to its fleet, including Boeing 737NG and CRJ-series aircraft, would support its expanding operations and partnerships.
